Mexico opened World Cup with 2-0 win over South Africa (Quiñones early, Jiménez header emotional return). South Korea beat Czech Republic 2-1. US and Canada prepare for home openers vs Paraguay and Bosnia. FIFA ticket prices face criticism amid high costs. Opening match saw three red cards, most in a World Cup opener.

New Jersey: Mexico opened the World Cup on Thursday with a dominant 2-0 win over South Africa in front of a boisterous home crowd at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium.

On Friday, the United States and Canada both get their opportunity for a fast start in front of their respective home countries.

Julián Quiñones scored the first goal of the World Cup in the ninth minute, booting a cross through the legs of South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. El Tri made it 2-0 midway through the second half when veteran Raúl Jiménez delivered a header that found the back of the net.

It was an emotional moment for Jiménez, who had tears in his eyes as Mexico's crowd roared in approval. Jiménez suffered a fractured skull after a scary collision in 2020, but has rebuilt his career and now has his first World Cup goal.